The Texas BBQ Forum

I can get several sheets of 3/16th inch steel for little or nothing is this thick enough for the fire box on a 250 gallon offset? I was also gonna use it for a warming box on the opposite end.

will work fine for the warming box. Wont last long as a fire box

Definitley thick enough for the warming box, but not single layer on the firebox. Take and put double layer together for the firebox and you'll be perfect. Now if you got the material, you may want to think of building the firebox, double layered, with a 1" air gap between, to insulate it. I have this on my firebox and it makes all the difference as to the amount of wood it will consume for a cook, and when in tight areas the heat given off is much less when having to work next to it.

but Bluz, you would still have 3/16 with a fire on it either way. I would still think that it will burn out too quick and then your burning into the insulated space. I have never done a insulated fire box so maybe there is a difference?

You can always put an extra flat piece in the bottom to keep any hot coals from touching the real bottom.Plus you can slide it out for easy clean out.

Your right Pony , didnt make myself very clear did I? I would def double the bottom plate.

Bluz wrote:Your right Pony , didnt make myself very clear did I? I would def double the bottom plate.

no, you were clear, I just didnt comprehend clearly!

double up on the bottom and then place a piece of catwalk material to burn wood on top of. This will go along way so as to not get burnout.